Valuable aspects of any literary work are its themes, symbols, and motifs. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to anatomize without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can track the rich symbolism Steinbeck uses throughout the novel.
The saying goes, “Money is the root of all evil”, and it is not an exception in The Pearl. As Kino seeks to gain wealth from the pearl, the thought of what riches it brings makes him lose sight of what is truly most important in life. Not only does it change Kino by turning him into a destructive murderer, but it also changes the people around him. Villagers who were once his friend became jealous and greedy, stopping at nothing—including burning his home—to get the pearl.
Fate is an universal theme that often lends itself to understanding a person’s destiny. While events happen that seem to be random and out of a person's control, these events change their life. Even actions of their own doing have great effects and outcomes. However, it is fate that lends us the thematic idea that our lives are not controlled by chance, but rather by a predetermined fate. In the end, a series of coincidences leads to the tragic death of Coyotito even after he had already escaped death once. The reader is left to believe that his death was inevitable.
Throughout the novel, the pearl lends itself to being a complex and complicated symbol. From the exposition to the climax, the pearl’s meaning changes. In the beginning it seems to symbolize fate, fortune, and good luck. However, by the end it is coveted and represents all the evil and greed in the world. Breaking the symbol down further the reader can see the pearl as fate itself. Grown from a piece of sand lying on the ocean floor, its existence purely happened by chance. However, due to its rarity, a monetary value was assigned to it, making it a materialistic item.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in The Pearl. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Discuss the topic of greed generally before working towards the actual lesson. Ask students what they know about greed, share any opinions and thoughts on the topic, and any examples they have in mind from their experience. Provide the students with the required context for future references.
Help the students analyze how the theme of greed has been used in the story. Students can also discuss the concept of greed they have come across in any other stories and relate it to this story. For instance, stories with Greed as the main theme always serve as a lesson for the characters as well as the readers.
Discuss with the students how the narrative develops and its relationship with themes and characters. Students can compare all these developments with each other and find out the common links and their significance. This connection serves a crucial role in the development of any story and helps the readers connect the dots.
Besides the theme of Greed, students can identify and analyze other themes present in the narrative. Viewing the themes from a holistic point of view will help the students gain new insights, enhance understanding, and make connections among the themes. Students can make theme charts to understand these connections and use graphic organizers to map out the information.
Ask the students to write a summary of the lesson they learned about the hazards of greed and its potential for bad outcomes. Insist on the value of cherishing what you have and valuing relationships over material possessions. Students can also talk about what they learned from the story and how it has helped them gain a new perspective.
The corrupting influence of money and greed, the value of love and family, the role of fate, and the harsh truth of social injustice are a few of the major themes in "The Pearl." Students can reflect on these themes individually and collectively to enhance their understanding of the story.
The difference between the rich and the impoverished in the community exemplifies social inequality. The narrative emphasizes how pursuing material prosperity may amplify already existing inequalities and spark conflict. For instance, the only reason Kino and Juana wanted to find something extraordinary was to save the life of their only son.